Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have become a significant threat in recent years and have led to the death and maiming of thousands of civilians, UN personals and soldiers. Devastation caused by the increasing use of IEDs by terrorists, illegal armed groups, and other unauthorized recipients, which has affected a large number of countries and has resulted thousands of casualties, have posed serious challenges to the safety and security of many nations. IED attacks also negatively impact socio-economic development, infrastructure, and freedom of movement, thereby hindering post-conflict development and stability of nations.

Addressing the First Committee of UNGA, Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, Permanent Representative of I.R. of Afghanistan to the United Nations said: “Afghanistan has long faced threats from IEDs and other weapons aimed to terrorize its population. By the successful adoption of this resolution, which addresses security concerns posed by IEDs, Afghanistan aims to strengthen the global awareness, information sharing, and increasing involvement of UN Secretary General to provide reports in consultation with member states on IEDs and its devastating impacts, as well as develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to counter the growing threat from IEDs”.

H.E. Dilber Nazari, Minister of Women’s Affairs is in New York to participate in the N-Peace award ceremony, which is a multi country initiative managed by UNDP to further the women, peace and security agenda, and to promote broader conflict prevention and peace building work in Asia. She visited the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations on Oct 22 and addressed the staff of the Mission and the Consulate.

H.E. Dilber Nazari, Minister of Women’s Affairs visited the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations on Oct 22 and addressed the staff of the Mission and the Consulate.

Speaking at length about the achievements of Afghan women in the past fourteen years, Minister Nazari gave special emphasis to the participation of women in the public sphere—she said how there have been significant changes in women’s participation in education, workforce, and political life. President Ashraf Ghani has promised seven ambassadorial level positions for women; currently four ministries and two governorships are held by women. The presence of women, though in small numbers, in senior administrative positions herald a new era of women’s empowerment in Afghanistan.

Minister Nazari spoke of the 100 day plan for her ministry which focused on increasing capacity for women’s institutions in urban as well as rural Afghanistan. A review of the ministry found that 80 positions were vacant, which were filled by recruiting the best talents in a competitive manner. Improving women’s access to justice and legal aid in case of duress was another significant facet of the 100 day plan. Developing strategies for implementation of a law prohibiting violence against women, which was recently approved by the cabinet, is also a priority for the Ministry.

H.E. Dilber Nazari, Minister of Women’s Affairs visited the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations on Oct 22 and addressed the staff of the Mission and the Consulate.

Despite the significant progress in women’s empowerment and social status, multiple challenges persist for women in Afghanistan. Most of the development dividends and public participation is still concentrated in urban areas; life for rural Afghan women hasn’t changed much. Persistent security threats act as significant impediments to securing and strengthening women’s rights in the country. During the recent Taliban attack on Kunduz, Minister Nazari elaborated how she had to evacuate female staff and residents of women’s protection centers on a very short notice and under tremendous security challenges. She mentioned that Kunduz is safe and secure now; about 8,000 families have returned and the city is slowly getting back to normal life. She also spoke about the need for continued support from the international community and how it is absolutely essential to guarantee women their rightful position in society.

The next 100 days plan focuses on educating the population, especially in the remote rural areas, about rights of women. The focus would be on engaging men in the process and making them equal stakeholders in creating a just society based on gender equity. Support for widows and destitute women would also be a significant aspect of the next 100 days plan by the Ministry.

Minister Nazari’s visit was really beneficial to get a glimpse of the progress made by Afghan women in the past decade and also realistically gage the challenges ahead and strategies to counter them